graduation: make this DIY grad cap gift card holder for the perfect congratulations!

This graduation DIY is the perfect project to give grads what they really want.

Graduation season is almost here, and today’s project is the perfect way to give grads a gift they can actually use – gift cards! I remember when I graduated I was working my first full-time job feeling like such an adult…and going home to have Kraft Dinner and watch movies on my 15-year-old couch. Gift cards were like gold to me back then, so these grad caps are a fun and unique way to give grads what they really want.

This project seems daunting, but it’s actually really easy. Especially if you remember your elementary school days of making paper cubes (which I excelled at).

Here’s what you need:

Cut out the box template and lid template. Score along the dashed lines of both templates. Make sure you print the box large enough to fit whatever gift card you’ve built. You can crop the pieces into smaller images so that you can adjust the sizing to fit your printer if need be. Once scored, fold along the dashed lines. Line up all tabs and glue so that you have a box and a lid with edges.

Cut out the You Did It greeting. It will sit inside your box above your gift card so it’s the first thing the new grad sees. You can either print and cut the fringe template, or just cut a fringe from yellow construction paper. Once cut, roll the fringe so that it forms a tassel shape. Glue a piece of string to the tassel and thread the opposite end through the small hole in the box lid.

Place your gift card in the box first, and make sure the lid fits. Then add the sizzle paper around it to fill in the box, and carefully lay the You Did It greeting on top. You can add another custom message under the lid, or on the back of the You Did It greeting. Press the lid of the “hat” onto the box. With the sizzle paper it should be snug enough not to need any extra help, but feel free to add some small pieces of clear tape if you need it.

That’s it! Pretty easy, but a great way to add a special touch to an otherwise ordinary (but much appreciated!) gift for the new grad!